Chinese student admits attempted kidnap of woman in Durham

Zhao Tong Li also modified a fake firearm to try and make it appear genuine, intending to cause fear of violence.

The 23-year-old, of Claypath in Durham, admitted a string of charges from custody at a plea hearing at the city’s crown court, on Thursday (March 12).

He pleaded guilty to charges of attempted kidnap, threatening a person with a knife in a private place, at ‘Student Castle’, in Claypath, possessing an imitation firearm to cause a fear of violence and modifying an imitation firearm, by painting it black, all said to have been committed in February this year.

Li also faces a charge of stalking the same woman, involving him allegedly making threats and the use of a tracker device, between September 1, 2023, and February 9 this year.

But his counsel, Laura Miller, said he would, instead, offer to plead guilty to a charge of controlling and coercive behaviour in a relationship, if considered acceptable by the prosecution.

John Crawford, prosecuting, said he would consult the reviewing Crown lawyer in the case to see if that would be considered a suitable alternative.

But he said that may be acceptable, given the other pleas made by the defendant.

Mr Crawford said he would confirm the Crown’s views on that charge within a fortnight.

Miss Miller said the defendant has had “ongoing mental health issues” and asked for psychiatric assessment to be prepared on him for the court before he is sentenced.

Judge Jo Kidd agreed and said a background report on the defendant by the Probation Service would also be required prior to a sentencing hearing.

Adjourning the case, she told Li: “You will be spoken to by a psychiatrist to look at issues as to why you committed these offences.

“The reports will assist as to the background of the case.”

She remanded the defendant back to custody to appear on April 30.